Eligibility and Requirements

Honors Scholar Program Admission Requirements

  • Minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA from high school or college degree applicable coursework
  • Eligibility for ENGL 100 (as established by assessment test or equivalent)
  • Complete Application Includes: complete online application, submit two letters of recommendation (at least one from an instructor), submit unofficial transcripts, and sign Statement of Academic Integrity (included in the online application).

Note: Students who do not meet admission requirements directly may submit an Appeal for Admission, to be reviewed by a committee organized by the Honors Coordinator.

Criteria for Active Status

  • Uphold responsible and ethical behavior outlined in the Statement of Academic Integrity and MiraCosta College Standards of Student Conduct
  • Maintain a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA in college degree applicable coursework
  • Enroll in Honors courses each semester and/or engage in published Honors Activities, such as Honors conferences, excursions, community service, intramurals, and service learning projects
  • Earn a grade of "C" or better in each Honors courses

Note: Students who earn less than a "C" grade in an Honors course must petition the Honors Coordinator to remain in Active Status.

Only HSP students in Active Status receive priority enrollment into Honors courses.

Program Completion Requirements for MiraCosta College Certified Honors Scholar

Students who complete these requirements earn the designation of “Certified Honors Scholar” on their MiraCosta College transcript, and receive special regalia and distinction at commencement ceremonies.

  • Uphold responsible and ethical behavior outlined in the Statement of Academic Integrity and MiraCosta College Standards of Student Conduct.
  • Earn a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA in college degree applicable coursework.
  • Engage in a minimum two semesters of active participation in the Honors Scholar Program at MiraCosta College.
  • Participate in a minimum 20 verified hours of Honors Activities.
  • Complete five Honors courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better in Honors coursework. Honors courses from other colleges may be counted, upon request and upon verification.
  • Up to two Honors courses may be taken with Pass/No Pass option.
  • Up to two science or mathematics courses from the list below may count toward the five required Honors courses:

    Physics 151
    Chemistry 210
    Math 260
    Physics 152
    Chemistry 211
    Math 265
    Physics 253
    Biology 204
    		  

Note: Any section of these science and mathematics courses may be counted as an Honors course, even though they are not designated as such in the Schedule of Classes. Other science and mathematics courses cannot be counted as Honors courses.

Program Completion Requirements for UCLA TAP Certification and for UC Irvine Priority Admission

  • Uphold responsible and ethical behavior outlined in the Statement of Academic Integrity and MiraCosta College Standards of Student Conduct.
  • Earn a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA in all transferable coursework.
  • Enroll in Honors courses at MiraCosta College for a minimum two semesters.
  • Complete minimum 15 units of Honors coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better. Honors courses from other colleges may be counted, upon request and upon verification.
  • Up to two Honors courses may be taken with Pass/No Pass option.
  • Up to two science or mathematics courses from the list below may count toward the five required Honors courses.
    Physics 151
    Chemistry 210
    Math 260
    Physics 152
    Chemistry 211
    Math 265
    Physics 253
    Biology 204
    		  

Note: Any section of these science and mathematics courses may be counted as an Honors course, even though they are not designated as such in the Schedule of Classes. Other science and mathematics courses cannot be counted as Honors courses.

Overview of Status and Completion Requirements

Step-In Student Active HSP Status MCC Certified Honors Scholar Completion UCLA TAP
Certification/
UCI Priority
Admission
Minimum overall GPA
n/a
3.25
3.25
3.50
Honors Coursework/GPA
n/a
n/a
5 courses with 3.25 GPA
15 units with
3.25 GPA
Access to Honors Lounge
Yes
Yes
n/a
n/a
Honors Library Privileges UCSD/UCLA/ UCI
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Participation in Honors Activities required
No
Encouraged
Yes
No
Funding provided for attendance at Honors conferences
No
Yes
n/a
n/a
Option to take Honors courses Pass/No Pass
Yes
Yes
Yes
(maximum two)
Yes
(maximum two)
Priority Enrollment into Honors courses
No
Yes
N/A
N/A
Compliance with Zero-Tolerance Academic Integrity Policy
n/a
Yes
Yes
Yes

Step-In Student: A student who is currently enrolled in an honors course but is not an active member of the Honors Scholar Program.

Active HSP Status: An active member of the Honors Scholar Program who has not fulfilled the program completion requirements.

MCC Certified Honors Scholar Completion: An active member of the Honors Scholar Program who has fulfilled the program completion requirements to become a Certified Honors Scholar

UCLA TAP Certification/UCI Priority Admission: An active member of the Honors Scholar Program who has fulfilled the program completion requirements to receive UCLA TAP Certification and UCI Priority Admission.

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